In this series of tutorials we will learn how to create a mechanical rig for 3D visualizations in 3ds Max.
We will begin from the concept of the crane, explaining the different parts and how a crane works.
Next, we will introduce the rigging tools used, and the limitations of the setup that a real crane has, all in 3ds Max. We will then model and texture every main part of the crane separately and assemble it all into a new scene ready to be rigged and refined. Finally, we will test out our rig with an animation and render it as a preview.[Read more…] about Digital Tutors – Modeling and Rigging a Hydraulic Crane in 3ds Max

Software used
After Effects CC and up, Element 3D Plug-in, PFTrack 2011, Maya 2013
What you will learn
In this series of tutorials we will composite a shimmering fractal reveal in After Effects utilizing assets generated in Maya. We will be matchmoving a live action plate and creating proxy geometry of the scene in Maya. We will then export the geometry as OBJ assets and assemble them in After Effects. We will animate a fractal pattern to act as a matte for our transition and apply that to our 3D geometry using the Element 3D plug-in. To create vibrant glows we will be using plugins such as Radium, Sapphire, and Starglow whilst taking advantage of linear color-space to achieve the best results possible.[Read more…] about Digital Tutors – Creating Vibrant Fractal Transitions in After effects

In this course, we will learn teachniques for interior/exterior architectural detailing in ZBrush
Building and detailing environments can be a time consuming process. To finish your models, you might need to create texture maps, either derived from photos, procedurally generated or hand painted. Adding higher resolution detail, like bricks or stone, to your interior and exterior models can be challenging as well. ZBrush can make this process a little bit easier. We’ll start by creating a seamless brick texture that we can apply to our geometry. We’ll look at using the Projection Master to quickly add detail to our models. We’ll use Noise to interactively dial in some specific patterns, like a knockdown wall texture. We’ll also look at building individual elements using primitive geometry that we can then append to our model. Once you’re done, you’ll have a better understanding of some of the tools you can use to detail your environments in ZBrush and a few ideas to get you going.[Read more…] about Digital Tutors – Architectural Detailing in ZBrush

The Matte Magic TransWipes Hard volume includes 75 uniquely useful animated transitional mattes that provide a harder-edged, more defined transition from one clip to the next. The clips in this collection include a variety of intricately choreographed hard-edged geometric and organic shapes and motions, designed to pull the viewer’s eyes effortlessly into the next segment of your production without losing interest. Simply by adding any of these mattes on top of your footage with the appropriate luma matte setting, you can elevate your edit from the mundane to the sublime, raising the production value of a project instantly. Customize any type of production, from promos to montages, show opens to event videos, with the magic one-of-a-kind segues made possible with TransWipes.[Read more…] about Digital Juice Matte Magic Transwipes Medium

The Matte Magic TransWipes Hard volume includes 75 uniquely useful animated transitional mattes that provide a harder-edged, more defined transition from one clip to the next. The clips in this collection include a variety of intricately choreographed hard-edged geometric and organic shapes and motions, designed to pull the viewer’s eyes effortlessly into the next segment of your production without losing interest. Simply by adding any of these mattes on top of your footage with the appropriate luma matte setting, you can elevate your edit from the mundane to the sublime, raising the production value of a project instantly. Customize any type of production, from promos to montages, show opens to event videos, with the magic one-of-a-kind segues made possible with TransWipes.[Read more…] about Digital Juice Matte Magic Transwipes Hard

The Matte Magic TransWipes Hard volume includes 75 uniquely useful animated transitional mattes that provide a harder-edged, more defined transition from one clip to the next. The clips in this collection include a variety of intricately choreographed hard-edged geometric and organic shapes and motions, designed to pull the viewer’s eyes effortlessly into the next segment of your production without losing interest. Simply by adding any of these mattes on top of your footage with the appropriate luma matte setting, you can elevate your edit from the mundane to the sublime, raising the production value of a project instantly. Customize any type of production, from promos to montages, show opens to event videos, with the magic one-of-a-kind segues made possible with TransWipes.[Read more…] about Digital Juice Matte Magic Transwipes Hard

The Matte Magic Strobes & Flickers volume includes more than 40 uniquely useful animated mattes with a variety of flashing, flickering, strobe-lit effects. The clips in this collection include a variety of intricately choreographed, rhythmically diverse, soft and hard shapes and motions. The matte motion is designed to momentarily distract your viewer with effects that add active vigor to your footage by simulating more energetic lighting environments in modern-day chiaroscuro tableaus. Simply by adding any of these mattes on top of your footage with the appropriate luma matte setting, you can elevate your footage from the mundane to the sublime, instantly raising the production value of any type of production from promos to montages, show opens to event videos.[Read more…] about Digital Juice Matte Magic Strobes and Flickers

Enter the world of Syd Mead, legendary ‘Visual Futurist’ behind such films as ‘Blade Runner’, ‘TRON’, ‘Aliens’, ‘2010’, and experience his Art like never before. Explore his life and career spanning the entire design spectrum from his early beginnings at Ford, and designing consumer products for Philips, to 747 interiors in the Middle East, including a yacht for Donald Trump. This feature length documentary offers a compelling portrait of a man revered around the world, and a detailed look into the world of design, including work by the artist which has never been seen, until now. Includes interviews with Michael Deeley, Producer ‘Blade Runner’; Steven Lisberger, Director ‘TRON’; Katy Haber, Production Executive ‘Blade Runner’; Richard Taylor, Effects Supervisor ‘TRON’; Gene Winfield, Car Builder ‘Blade Runner’; Paul M. Sammon, Author ‘Future Noir’; Bob Gurr, Famed Disney Imagineer; Chuck Jordan, Design Chief, General Motors, and many more… [Read more…] about Visual Futurist – The Art & Life of Syd Mead [1 DVD (MP4)]

Dominic Qwek covers how to create realistic skin for his creature designs using ZBrush, Keyshot and Photoshop. He starts off by using ZBrush to sculpt realistic skin details such as wrinkles, moles and warts. Dominic then uses polypaint in ZBrush to texture skin tones where he adopts a layered approach for realistic results. Using the GoZ plugin, he imports the polypainted model into Keyshot where he starts lighting and shading. KeyshotÆs translucent shader is explained, as well as its HDR lighting features, for photo-realistic and interactive rendering. Finally, Dominic shares his post-processing workflow in Photoshop to achieve the final image. [Read more…] about The Gnomon Workshop – Realistic Skin with ZBrush and Keyshot